A method for creating a standby data processing system located at a standby
site, which is remotely located from a primary site. The method comprises
a first step of computing a difference between an active data file and an
archive data file to produce a delta image at the primary site. Another
step is transmitting the active data file and the delta image, separately
in time sequence, from the primary site to a standby site. A final step is
combining the delta image with the active data file at the standby site,
to produce an archive data file. An advantage of this method is the
creation of a standby data processing system, while using a lower
bandwidth to create this additional site.